White Oak
Quercus alba · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 1350 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a medium to coarse coarse texture and distinct growth rings
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light to medium brown, often with an olive cast; sapwood is a lighter whitish-brown, darkening slightly to an amber patina upon UV exposure and aging
Hardness (Janka)
1350 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable, with exceptional resistance to rot, fungal decay, and insect attack due to closed cellular structure (tyloses)
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4 to 10 dollars per board foot depending on grade and kiln-dried status
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut log section estimated at 40 to 60 years based on visible growth rings
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and of least concern according to the IUCN Red List; widely available with FSC certification options
Common Uses
Fine furniture, hardwood flooring, heavy construction, boat building, exterior applications, and tight cooperage (barrels)
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though it can blunt cutters due to high silica or density; glues, stains, and finishes well, but requires pre-boring for nails and screws to prevent splitting
Finish Recommendations
Accepts a wide range of finishes including oil, polyurethane, lacquer, and shellac; water-based finishes may slightly raise the grain
Notable Features
Contains high tannin content which reacts with iron to cause staining; possesses natural tyloses that plug pores, making it water-resistant
